Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept breaks cover

Maserati marque has come up with a winner this time and the engineers are ready to roll out their latest model GranTurismo MC Corse Concept.

The MC Corse Concept uses the same engine found on the GranTurismo S but due to a new fresh injection method and a new exhaust system located centrally instead of sides to further enhance the power it'scapable now to develop 450 hp.

Catalytic converters make the car meet up the emission norms. The enlarged track and a front splitter make it a more aerodynamically efficient car while the rear spoiler, apart from making it aerodynamic, gives it a sporty and hard look.

To lower the effect of friction, side skirts have been modified and the suspension system has been largely improved to make it a more track friendly car by means of 18x12 inches front wheel and 18x13 inches rear wheels.

Also, large brake discs help keeping the car in control while speeding. It seems, that after the very popular and successful MC12 Corse of 2004 GT, Maseratis's GranTurismo MC Corse Concept is a beast which is roaring to go on the tarmac. According to the manufacturer, the new concept will be officially unveiled in October, at the Paris Motor Show!

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept was derived from the Maserati GranTurismo S that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6, 2008. Engineers at the Maserati Racing Department took efforts to further improve the performance of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept while making it much lighter.

To achieve that, engineers revised the mapping of the engine of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept to squeeze out up to 330.9 kW (450 hp) of output and 510 Nm torque at 4,750 rpm, thereby increasing its performance without sacrificing reliability.

Maserati engineers also revised the concept’s intake and exhaust systems by installing a high-performance conical air filter and an exhaust system equipped with racing-type catalytic converters and silencers.

Further improving the performance of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept is its new suspension setting combined with enhanced weight distribution and new single-string racing dumpers. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept rides on new 12-inch x 18-inch front and 13-inch x 18-inch rear wheels wrapped in slick tires.

Moreover, Maserati upgraded the concept’s brake system to allow it to endure the stress typical of use on a track by using larger discs and monobloc racing calipers. Furthermore, Maserati lightened and stiffened the concept’s chassis by employing an integral welded roll cage, as required by the FIA regulations.

Press Release

Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept

Races have always been the most demanding test-bed for all cars. Traditionally, reliablity and performance are checked on the circuit. It is in races that new technologies and materials are tried out. And it is on the circuit that Maserati has decided to raise the much praised sporty verve of its Maserati GranTurmismo S to even higher levels to create the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept.

Style

The changes the designers of the Maserati Style Centre have made to the GranTurismo S to create the racing model have improved its performance and above all its aerodynamic efficiency, without disturbing to its elegant, curvaceous line. The radiator grille of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept features two large air intakes - designed to increase the air flow to the engine and brakes - and an aerodynamic bottom trim. The front mudguards, with increased track, are also new, as is the engine hood with a dynamic air inlet and two additional air vents.

The car's profile has also been the subject of in-depth aerodynamic analysis, leading to the introduction of unusual side air vents, linked to the new miniskirts under the doors. What's more, the rear of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept has new-design fenders to accommodate the air vents and centrally located tailpipes. Last but not least, the boot spoiler is larger in size to increase the down force generated by the profile, thus compensating for the aerodynamic effect of the front spoiler.

Development

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept has been developed on the basis of the Maserati GranTurismo S, launched at the Geneva Motor Show on 6th of March 2008. The Maserati Racing Department engineers have made major improvements to reduce the car's weight while also engancing its performance. The mapping of the engine installed on the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept has been revised to further increase performance without impairing reliability: the unit is now generating 330.9 kW (450 hp), with torque of 510 Nm at 4,750 rpm. The intake and exhaust systems have also been revised through the installation of a high-performance conical air filter combined with an exhaust system fitted with racing-type catalytic converters and silencers.

The suspension setting of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept, together with improved weight distribution and new single-string racing dumpers, plus new 12"x18" fron and 13"x18" rear wheels and slick tires, guarantee a striking increase in the car's dynamic performance compared to the Maserati GrantTurismo S.

The brake system has received an upgrade to withstand the stress typical of use on a track, whit adoption of larger discs and monobloc racing calipers.

The chassis has been significantly lightened and stiffened thanks to application of an integral welded roll cage, as required by the FIA regulations.

The coachwork, partially modified to meet new technical requirements, is in composite materials. The specific electrical system, the dedicated instrumentation including an integral data acquisition system, and the indispensable safety devices, complete the equipment of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept.

Technical specifications

Engine: V8

Displacement: 4,691 cc

Max. Power: 450 hp (330.9 kW)

Max. Torque: 510 Nm @ 4,750 rpm

Weight / power ratio: <3.1kg/hp (<4.2kg/kW)

Body: composite materials, windscreen and rear and side windows in Lexan